As anyone who has been involved in it can tell you, addiction recovery is a long, winding process that requires diligence and support to maintain. There are several ways that those taking part in addiction recovery may go about this, and one format that’s long been popular and effective is the use of a peer recovery coach.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we offer caring inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery programs for people around Boise, Washington and Oregon. Within both these formats, particularly outpatient recovery, the use of peer recovery coaches is common and often helpful. Here are some basics on what a peer recovery coach is, how they often lend a hand to those in the early or later stages of addiction recovery, and how they may help you or someone else in your life who is managing addiction stay on track.
What is a Peer Recovery Coach?
As some of our readers may have already guessed, a peer recovery coach is someone who has gone through the same process and recovery journey as those they help. That’s right, a peer recovery coach is an individual that has already been through their own addiction recovery program, and now serves as a guide to people just starting on their own path.
A peer recovery coach isn’t necessarily an addiction counselor, however. They are more of an experienced mentor—an individual that can provide real-world advice to people in need and someone who truly understands the struggles they are going through.
Research has shown that having this kind of support from someone who has already gone through the addiction recovery process can be invaluable in helping those with addiction problems stay on track. A peer recovery coach is a sounding board and an anchor for someone who needs help staying the course, and many find that even having one to talk to about their struggles can make all the difference.
Our next several sections will go through some of the specific benefits and approaches for utilizing a peer recovery coach as a resource during addiction recovery.
Using Them As an Example
One of the single best aspects of having a peer recovery coach is that they can serve as an example for the person in recovery. Not only do peer coaches understand what people are going through, but they have also been there themselves and usually had success getting through it.
By watching someone who has already done it and can demonstrate how to stay on track, many in addiction recovery can find the courage and motivation to keep going. That is why it’s important for those in recovery to find a coach that they can learn from, respect, and admire as an example—a mentor who will take their hand and walk them through the process of addiction recovery.
Providing Guidance and Support
In addition to being an example, a peer recovery coach can also provide guidance and support to those in addiction recovery. They are often able to provide a personalized approach to the individual’s situation, drawing on their own experience as well as their extensive knowledge of the common approaches and resources available for managing addiction recovery.
A peer recovery coach is also able to provide mentorship and direction to those in recovery, offering a more personalized form of care than most traditional treatment plans. Furthermore, a peer recovery coach can come alongside the individual as they start to build a support network of family, friends, and professionals—all of which are vital components for long-term success when it comes to conquering addiction.
Staying Consistent With Approaches
Some people in addiction recovery need a little extra nudge to stay consistent with their plans and approaches, and that is where peer recovery coaches can really shine. They are able to provide accountability and regular check-ins to ensure that the individual is staying on track and making progress, as well as providing encouragement during times of difficulty or discouragement.
A peer recovery coach also helps to provide a better understanding of the addiction recovery process and encourages those in need to make positive changes in their life. With this kind of help, individuals can gain the confidence they need to face their struggles head-on and eventually overcome them.
Peer Recovery Coach Can’t Be the Only Approach
Now, while we’ve spent most of this blog going over the key benefits of peer recovery coaches during addiction recovery, one quick caution: It’s important to note that a peer recovery coach should not be seen as the only approach. Rather, it should be seen as an additional resource amongst many—a supplemental form of care that can help provide extra support and encouragement during this difficult process.
That is, simply finding a peer recovery coach is not the only thing someone in addiction recovery needs to do. It’s important to also seek out professional treatment and make use of various other forms of support such as therapy, medication, and self-care.
But when used alongside all these other opportunities for help, peer recovery coaches can be an integral part of the recovery process—providing a unique form of insight, guidance, and support that is tailored to the individual’s needs.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we encourage all of our clients to take advantage of any kinds of resources they feel will be helpful during their treatment, including peer recovery coaches. For more on any of our addiction recovery programs in Boise or nearby states like Washington and Oregon, contact us today.
